Shiplake College offers pupils in Years 9-13 the chance to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. The voluntary scheme has a hugely positive impact on pupils’ personal development. It is a real adventure from beginning to end, as each of the required sections instil and refine personal qualities which may not come to the fore during everyday life.
Volunteering is all about making a difference to the lives of others, by helping individuals or the wider community. Pupils often opt to assist with fundraising for local charities; a rewarding way to meet the assessment criteria. The physical section is intended to improve participants’ core fitness through prolonged involvement in a sport or physical activity. With such a variety of sporting options available at the College, pupils never struggle to complete this section.
The skills component is all about developing practical and social skills which are relevant to personal interests. Choosing to focus on a particular skill not only develops that specific talent but simultaneously enhances self-esteem, confidence and resilience as well as giving participants a real sense of achievement. Permissible activities can be in virtually any domain, including creative arts, science, technology, music and cookery.
The final element of the Bronze and Silver awards is the expedition. Whilst this is undoubtedly the toughest challenge in the award, it is also the most rewarding and memorable. Recent Shiplake DofE Bronze and Silver groups have undertaken mountaineering in Scotland, and trekking and kayaking in the Brecon Beacons. The expedition pushes teamwork, communication and organisation skills to the limit as groups plan, train and prepare for the 2-4 day challenge. The whole experience brings almost every emotion with it, but vastly improves vital skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication. Gold award seekers also undertake an expedition but are additionally required to complete a residential assignment. Recent Shiplake DofE Gold groups have gone skiing in Norway, Kayaking in Sweden and Canoeing in France.
As well as providing a great and memorable experience whilst at school, completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s award has numerous other benefits. The skills and experiences gained through the programme are valued highly by universities and employers.
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (Years 9-10)
For Year 9 and 10 students working towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), the focus is on developing a range of skills across four main sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. Each section helps students to build resilience, develop leadership, and acquire practical skills, encouraging a well-rounded personal growth experience.
Volunteering: Students contribute their time to a charity or community project, learning the value of giving back and enhancing their sense of social responsibility.
Physical: Students engage in physical activity, developing fitness and commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They set personal goals and track their progress, which builds discipline and perseverance.
Skills: Students learn a new skill, which could range from a hobby to more practical or creative activities like learning a language, cooking, or photography. This section fosters curiosity and helps expand their talents.
Expedition: Students embark on an expedition, working in teams to plan, navigate, and carry out a journey in the countryside. They develop essential skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor survival, learning to manage responsibility and self-reliance.
Through completing these sections, Year 9 and 10 students not only gain physical and mental resilience but also build their sense of community and learn about the impact of their contributions.
Silver Duke of Edinburgh (Year 11)
As students’ progress to Silver Duke of Edinburgh in Year 11, the expectations become more challenging, and the responsibility for their personal growth increases.
Volunteering: In this stage, students are expected to take on more leadership in their volunteer roles, often taking on more responsibility or leading initiatives, which further develops their ability to manage others.
Physical: The physical activity becomes more demanding. Students are encouraged to push themselves beyond their previous limits, demonstrating sustained effort and growth in fitness.
Skills: Students continue to build on skills from the Bronze level, often deepening their knowledge or increasing the complexity of the skills they’re developing.
Expedition: The expedition for Silver DofE requires a more advanced level of planning, preparation, and self-sufficiency. Students are expected to navigate independently, and carry out a longer, more challenging journey. It’s an opportunity for them to develop greater leadership within their teams and take ownership of their actions.
The Silver award encourages students to build on the foundations laid at Bronze level, with an increased focus on self-discipline, teamwork, and the development of leadership skills.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh (Year 12-13)
For Year 12 and 13 students completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh, the focus shifts towards leadership, independence, and making a significant contribution to the community.
Volunteering: Students are expected to undertake a leadership role, where they can create or manage their own volunteering projects, showcasing initiative and responsibility. The impact of their work should extend beyond immediate tasks and benefit others.
Physical: The physical challenge at Gold level is more intensive, and students are encouraged to set long-term goals and maintain a higher level of fitness over the year.
Skills: Students are expected to show leadership in skill development as well, whether in leading a group in a specific skill (like teaching) or mastering a skill to a high standard.
Expedition: The Gold expedition is the most demanding, involving a longer journey and requiring students to demonstrate expert-level planning, navigation, and teamwork. They are expected to operate with minimal supervision, often in remote areas. The Gold expedition also requires students to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, as they face more difficult terrains and conditions.
Residential: Is a unique and rewarding component of the Gold Award, designed to take participants out of their usual environments and immerse them in a shared experience with individuals they may not know. The residential involves spending five days and four nights away from home, working on a shared project or activity with peers from diverse backgrounds. Activities can range from conservation work, volunteering in a community project, or participating in adventure-based challenges to skill-building workshops.
In the Gold award, students are not just completing a series of tasks – they are shaping themselves into responsible, motivated young adults capable of leading others. The emphasis is on commitment, excellence, and long-term personal development.
Element encourages personal growth, independence, and social confidence as participants adapt to new situations and form bonds with others. It also promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience as they collaborate to achieve common goals. The residential is a chance for students to step out of their comfort zones, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and reflect on their own development in a supportive and structured environment.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, from Bronze to Gold, provides a progressive series of challenges and opportunities for students to build self-confidence, learn new skills, and contribute to their communities, while promoting responsibility, leadership, and teamwork at every stage of their journey.
Young Leaders Award
Leadership development through the Young Leaders Award for Years 12 and 13 was established here at Shiplake College in September 2024. The Young Leaders Award, offered through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, it is designed to develop leadership skills in Year 12–13 students. Participants are introduced to key leadership concepts, including effective communication, delegation, and problem-solving. They are encouraged to take on meaningful responsibilities, such as leading activities, assisting with younger students during their D of E mentoring sessions, and planning components of school events.
This program emphasises the development of personal qualities such as resilience, empathy, and self-confidence. Through real-life applications, students practice managing teams, resolving conflicts, and inspiring others. By the end of the award, they will have gained not only a recognised leadership qualification but also practical experience that is invaluable for future academic and professional pursuits.
The Young Leaders Award offers students a chance to leave a legacy of mentorship within the school while preparing them for leadership roles in higher education, the workplace, and the wider community.